“We’re going to start shooting in September for it to air next summer. (It has) different characters, a different setting. It’s set in California, all of California. There are three cops. One of the characters is female. I think that’s probably all I’m allowed to say. We’ll probably be announcing casting soon.”

Perhaps that was all he was allowed to say, but it certainly wasn’t all he had to say about True Detective this week.

On Thursday, he told the festival that Season 2 wouldn’t be as dark as the first:

“It’s still dark. (Creator) Nic (Pizzolatto) explores the darkness in people’s souls. … It’s not as dark, but it’s not a light ride. Nic likes looking into the crevices of the soul.”

What does “not as dark” mean? Who knows? A tour of the intensive care unit is “not as dark” as Season 1 of HBO’s acclaimed hit.

Lombardo also revealed that, while Season 1 was entirely directed by Cary Fukunaga (who has since left the show), “three or four different directors” will helm the eagerly anticipated follow-up season.